Slavoj Žižek, an iconic philosopher known for his insights into psychoanalysis and critical theory, joins Lee Smolin, a theoretical physicist and author on the foundations of physics. They delve into the interplay between Marxism and quantum mechanics, exploring time, space, and humor in science. Their conversation touches on the philosophical implications of viewing the universe as a game and discusses contemporary issues like language and political correctness. Together, they encourage fresh perspectives on the dynamic nature of scientific inquiry.
Žižek and Smolin critique traditional interpretations of quantum mechanics, advocating for a fusion of philosophical inquiry with scientific discourse.
The conversation highlights concerns about the political climate and the challenges populism poses to the principles of democracy.
Deep dives
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Slavoj Žižek and Lee Smolin's Dialogue
The conversation between Slavoj Žižek and Lee Smolin delves into the intersection of philosophy and theoretical physics, covering complex subjects like time, space, and quantum mechanics. Žižek expresses admiration for Smolin's ability to challenge established scientific orthodoxies, highlighting a critique of quantum mechanics' traditional interpretations. Both thinkers emphasize the necessity of integrating philosophical inquiry into scientific discussions, as they believe it can offer new insights beyond mere calculations. Their dialogue exemplifies a blend of speculative thought and rigorous scientific analysis, reflecting on how these fields can inform one another.
Philosophy of Time and Space
A significant theme of their discussion revolves around differing views on the nature of time and space, where Žižek aligns with the idea that time is a fundamental aspect of our reality. In contrast, Smolin presents a perspective that favors relational accounts, where relations between events are prioritized over conventional notions of time. Both philosophers acknowledge the complexities inherent in tackling these concepts, suggesting that existing frameworks may not adequately capture the essence of time and space as they genuinely manifest. This discourse showcases the rich potential for philosophical exploration within the realm of physics.
Cultural and Political Reflections
As the conversation progresses, the thinkers examine the contemporary political landscape, expressing concern about the rise of populism and its implications for democracy. Žižek notes that while democracy is often viewed through the lens of progress, it can also regress and become a platform for majoritarian misjudgments. Both discuss the challenges of navigating complex social issues in a time when populist ideologies seem to clash with democratic principles. This intersection of political theory and practical realities underscores the difficulties faced in achieving a coherent narrative in today's fragmented political climate.
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Slavoj Žižek is international director of the Birkbeck Institute for the Humanities at the University of London and a senior researcher at the University of Ljubljana’s Department of Philosophy. He was also the guest for episodes 109—on psychoanalysis, wokeness, racism, and a hundred other topics—and 118, where he appeared with Sean Carroll to discuss quantum physics, the multiverse, and time travel. Lee Smolin is a founding and senior faculty member at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, and the author of a number of bestselling books, including The Trouble with Physics (Mariner, 2006). He was the guest for episode 148, in which he and Robinson discussed presentism, the foundations of mathematics, and the philosophy of quantum mechanics. In this episode, Robinson, Slavoj, and Lee discuss time, space, superposition, and other concepts at the core of physics, as well as postmodernism, the big bang, problems with democracy, and much more. Lee is also an Honorary Fellow of the John Bell Institute for the Foundations of Physics. If you’re interested in the foundations of physics—which you absolutely should be—then please check out the JBI, which is devoted to providing a home for research and education in this important area. Any donations are immensely helpful at this early stage in the institute’s life.
Lee’s Website: http://leesmolin.com
The Trouble with Physics: https://a.co/d/eJZPWaE
OUTLINE
00:00 Introduction
06:26 Breaking the Copenhagen Interpretation
11:55 On Sabine Hossenfelder
21:11 On Monads, Atoms, and Democritus
30:18 Is the World a Game of Physics?
38:46 On the Big Bang
45:26 On European Immigration and Populism
53:09 A Few Jokes
Robinson’s Website: http://robinsonerhardt.com
Robinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University. Join him in conversations with philosophers, scientists, weightlifters, artists, and everyone in-between.